Trailing by only three points (142 to 145), Lukaku benefits from three promising home fixtures in the next four Gameweeks, as Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Hull City are due at Goodison Park.

Everton are guaranteed fixtures in Gameweek 26 and 28, whereas Ibrahimovic risks missing both should United progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Having scored three goals in two starts, the form of Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini (£6.5m) betters Lukaku.

The top transfer target among forwards since his two goals at Sunderland eight days ago, Gabbiadini is not scheduled to return to action until he travels to Watford in Gameweek 27 (Southampton will miss Gameweek 26 due to the EFL Cup final).